Wallflower

Etta James

About Wallflower

"The Wallflower" (also known as "Roll with Me, Henry" and "Dance with Me, Henry") is a 1955 song by Etta James. It was one of several answer songs to "Work with Me, Annie" and has the same 12-bar blues melody.


Year:
2015
3:03
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(Hey Baby, What do I have to do,)
(To make you love me too,)

You've got to roll with me Henry;
(Alright baby)
Roll with me Henry;
(Don't mean maybe)
Roll with me Henry;
(Any ole time)
Roll with me Henry;
(Don't change my mind)
Roll with me Henry;
You better roll it while the rollin' is on
Roll on, roll on, roll on;

While the cats are ballin,
You better stop your stallin,
It's intermission in a minute,
So you better get with it,
Roll with me Henry,
You better roll it while the rollin' is on
Roll on, roll on, roll on,

Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh wee,
Henry, you ain't movin me,
You better feel that boogie beat,
And get the lead out of your feet,

Roll with me Henry,
You better roll it while the rollin' is on,

Well I ain't teasin'
(Talk to me baby)
You better stop your freezin'
(All right, mama)
If you want romancin'
(Okay sugar)
YOu better learn some dancin'
(Mmm-hmm mm-hmm)
Roll with me Henry,
(All right mama)
You better roll it while the rollin' is on,
Roll on, roll on, roll on.

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Etta James

Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins; January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012) was an American singer. Her style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in 1954, she gained fame with hits such as "Roll With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got a Hold on Me", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" for which she wrote the lyrics. She faced a number of personal problems, including drug addiction, before making a musical resurgence in the late 1980s with the album The Seven Year Itch. more »

6 fans

Written by: Hank Ballard, Etta James, Johnny Otis

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
The song "Wallflower" was released by Etta James in 1998. The song is also known as "Roll with Me Henry".
Genre Classification
The song is classified under the Rhythm & Blues genre due to the distinctive style of early rock and roll that it features.
Song Origin
"Wallflower" is a reworked version of a song known as "The Wallflower". It was essentially a response song to Hank Ballard's "Work with Me, Annie".
Songwriters
The song was written by Johnny Otis, Hank Ballard, and Etta James herself.
Original Success
Upon its original release in 1955 as "The Wallflower (Roll with Me, Henry)", the song became a hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart.
Reception
Despite the suggestive nature of the lyrics that led to some radio stations banning it, the song still gained significant popularity and was a commercial success.
Notable Performers
Apart from Etta James, the song has been covered by various notable artists including Tina Turner, Georgia Gibbs, and Elvis Presley.
Gibbs's Cover Controversy
When covered by Georgia Gibbs, the song title was changed to "Dance With Me, Henry" and all the suggestive lyrics were removed. The version became a huge success, however, it drew criticism for its 'whitewashing' of a rhythm and blues song.
Induction Into Hall of Fame
In recognition of its contribution to the development of rock and roll, the song "Wallflower" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
Significance to Etta James's Career
The success of this song essentially catapulted Etta James' music career, and it continues to be one of her most iconic songs.

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